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Working toward the vision that no one in Northern Allegheny County should be hungry, cold, or alone, North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) assists those dealing with hardship and poverty through a variety of services. These services include
free computer training, utility assistance, college scholarships for non-traditional students, and emergency financial help. Thanks to the volunteers who work in the Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden—a community-based, organic garden—NHCO has helped grow and share fresh produce at its two area food pantries. In 2012, the garden produced approximately 4,500 pounds of organic food.
See how Groupon helps you discover local causes and lend a helping hand at the Groupon Grassroots blog.

After tracking attendance patterns at several local low-income elementary schools, workers at Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank discovered that many students who arrived late had not eaten at home and missed cafeteria breakfast at school. To prevent the consequences of inadequate food intake, such as learning and development issues, the organization established a breakfast-bags program that provides students who miss their school’s cafeteria breakfast with healthy, protein-laden food. Each breakfast bag contains at least four stomach-filling items, such as a cereal box, fruit cup, applesauce, and peanut butter and crackers.

The YMCA Adventure Warrior Race gives kids and adults a chance to prove themselves against ropes courses, mud, water obstacles, and other unexpected mental and physical challenges—all while supporting a good cause. Amid the breathtaking views and tranquil waters of Lake Tris, runners maneuver around trees and carry heavy objects up the sometimes snow-covered Laurel Highlands mountains, climbing up to 1,000 feet as they go. Warriors aged 16 and older make a 4-mile circuit, whereas younger participants run age-appropriate distances of a half mile or a full mile. Trophies and the respect of all the woodland creatures are awarded to the top male and female runners, top male and female teams, and top co-ed team. According to the Daily American, funds raised from the race provide camp scholarships that allow kids to attend residential and day programs at the 263-acre YMCA Camp T. Frank Soles.

Guests take their seats inside the grandiose Carnegie Music Hall, a space lauded for providing superb acoustics for chamber music and a challenging venue for games of Marco Polo. The venue is tucked inside the same building as the dinosaur bones and European masterworks of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Museum of Art.

Participants in Best Buddies’ Ambassadors Leadership Program receive training in speech writing and public speaking so they can become advocates for those with IDD and the Best Buddies programs. They'll learn the necessary tools to help spread awareness to eliminate the use of hurtful words such as "retard" from everyday language and ultimately create opportunities for others with IDD to socialize and become more involved in their communities. After completing training, Ambassadors can speak to local legislators and Best Buddies chapters, train others with IDD, and work at recruitment fairs and other Best Buddies events.

ASSET draws science class out of textbooks and places it squarely into student hands in the form of educational experiments and a curriculum designed to motivate student interest in the subject. In addition to promoting a deeper interest, hands-on scientific learning employs critical-thinking skills that can foster lifelong learning. ASSET currently works with 150,000 students in 140 Pennsylvania school districts to increase their exposure to science education. However, ASSET is still in need of donations to fund a kit of mentally stimulating science materials for a class of 30 elementary and middle school students in the Pennsylvania school system. Kits contain enough science materials for children to conduct between 9 and 12 weeks of scientific experiments and investigations.